Airlines think it might be time to revisit the policy regarding liquids in carryon bags

Airlines are calling for a change in policy regarding liquids in carryon bags.  The current policy came into effect after a plan was unraveled that suggested terrorists would use disguised liquids in their carryon bags to create a homemade bomb that would be detonated over the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  Critics of the policy claim that it creates serious delays at security checkpoints in airports.

The trial of the suspected terrorists just ended and the jury could not convict the suspects of trying to use these disguised liquids to build a bomb on a plane.  As a result several airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, are asking that lawmakers take a second look at the liquid policy.

The director of communications, Paul Charles, noted that “Maybe now is the time for a review to take a look at how appropriate the current rules are for taking liquids on board an aircraft.  Certainly it’s important to have restrictions in place when the country is on the highest state of alert.  There are different rules at different airports around the world, so it would make more sense to review all of these to make sure there’s continuity worldwide.”

In response the department of transportation released a statement that read “The court case has proven that a generic capability exists to create liquid bombs from domestic items.  Aircraft could be vulnerable to such devices so we are right to continue to require restrictions for liquids carried as hand luggage.   We are also right to require these restrictions internationally as, potentially, we are all at risk.

www.virgin-atlantic.com

www.dft.gov.uk